Hi I'm Bubs, welcome to my home on the web!

Thanks for stopping by! You have stumbled upon the personal website of Sidney Collins (aka Bubs). I'm a 30-year old student at the University of Alabama studying Computer Science and Mathematics. When I'm not busy programming you'll probably find me writing, drawing, reading, shopping, eating, or playing Monopoly.

May2

Thanks so much for the outpouring of concern after the storm. It’s nice to know that I was in so many of your thoughts. I really appreciate it ♥ I feel very blessed to be alive and to have suffered no damage despite being literally down the road from the tornado. Sadly, many others were not as fortunate. A large chunk of my home state is suffering right now. Please keep Alabama in your prayers and help if you can

Some of you are probably confused as to why I was in Tuscaloosa instead of Atlanta. Well this January I re-enrolled in the University of Alabama to finish my undergraduate degree. I had to take care of two medical incompletes I received due to my surgery. Since 4 years had passed I opted to retake the courses. And yes, that means my husband, William, and I have been living apart for 4 long months

When I was young I was terrified of thunderstorms. My parents and I never really knew what brought about this phobia but I managed to overcome it by college. After last Wednesday I’m pretty certain the fear will be returning…

I was running back and forth between the tv and the front porch since I was determined to catch a good ol’ southern twister on my iPhone. I assumed this was just like any other severe spring thunderstorm and wasn’t taking it seriously at all. That’s when I saw the scariest image on tv I’ve ever seen: a massive tornado sitting atop downtown Tuscaloosa. The next words from the voiceover made my heart stop: “Kicker Road, Hargrove Road, it’s headed for you.” My house is a block away from that intersection. The power immediately went out. I grabbed my Shih Tzu and a dingy antique feather bed and headed for the closet under the stairs. Once inside I pulled the bed over our heads. I’ve never been so scared in my entire life. As I heard the tornado approaching I prayed that God would spare my life so I could see William and my family again. Then I was struck by a comforting realization. Although I heard the winds spinning violently outside I repeated to myself, it’s not loud enough to be on top of me. Everyone says that a tornado sounds like a freight train. Well this sounded like a freight train in the distance.

I emerged from the closet after a few minutes of silence. I checked my backyard to see if the towering trees behind my house were still standing, which they were. My cul-de-sac had minimal damage. Tree limbs were down, a portion of a fence had been blown away, and some siding was stripped from my neighbors’ home. My neighborhood was extremely lucky. The location of my house is marked on the tornado path map below [full-size]

All of my family and friends are safe. My friend Mike’s apartment was in the path of the storm and suffered damage but he’s still here, and that’s what matters. President Obama toured the area Friday. He remarked that he had “never seen devastation like this.” My heart aches for the city I called home for 7 years

An ounce of happy news — the university cancelled finals. Students have the option to take their current grade or a makeup exam at a later date. I took B’s in both of my classes. That means that after a lengthy college career I’m finally a graduate of the University of Alabama! No more school until I decide to return for my Masters

So scary. I’m glad you’re OK, I can’t imagine what it must have been like.

I only ‘witnessed’ a tornado once when I was living in London for university – http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/london/6217514.stm. I just heard a really loud clap of thunder in the middle of an otherwise fine day, thought wtf and left it. I later read on BBC news that a tornado had hit nearby at the exact time I heard the thunder. I’m really scared of thunderstorms too, I never overcame that fear.

my heart goes out to you and all the people affected by the devastating tornado – so glad that you are safe!! You are also very brave for keeping strong through such a scary situation – i think that really shows that you’ve conquered your phobia!!

;D a BIG congrats for graduatingggggggg!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Now relax and enjoy life with your loved ones xxx

To begin with, congratulations on graduating from University. I am both extremely proud of you and just a bit envious. I admire anyone who has finished University and is happy with what they chose to pursue a degree in. Personally, I am still undecided between Psychology and English Literature.

As for the tornado, I am glad to hear that everyone close to you and yourself are doing alright. I cannot even begin to imagine how scary it would be in such a situation. I will be sure to keep you and all of the residents of Alabama in my thoughts and prayers.

Good luck back at school! I hope you can manage without the husband for 4 months. The fiance’ and I had to do the same when he got a job at the other end of the state. Also, glad to hear your safe re: that huge storm. I haven’t even been close to a storm like that, so I can’t imagine!

Wow, I know this post is quite old but we here are also experiencing a storm right now and it’s really tough on us. It’s good to know that you guys have gotten better. One year after this post, I hope you have completely recovered

By the way, I just love your layout and would like if you could post more

Wed Aug 8th, 2012 11:50 pm

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